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4 min read
Reviewed ByRebecca EdwardsFor over 12 years, SafeWise has conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Read our methodology.
With 20+ years in tech journalism, Alina blends safety expertise with her passion for simplifying technology. Alina has tested hundreds of safety and security devices, is trained as a first responder, and has worked as a volunteer firefighter.
You've probably seen all of the vanilla things to buy for college lists. As a mom with a daughter starting her second year of college, I've rounded up some Amazon products that solve some problems you may not have considered. And I've even tried most of them hands-on in my own home.
Set your college student up for success with this list of Amazon finds for college students that goes beyond flip flops and bath caddies.
Watch our quick guide to personal safety gear that students can carry on campus.
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*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
College students carry around their keys everywhere, so having a safety device latched to them makes sense. They'll never leave home without it.
Our favorite pick is the stylish She’s Birdie keychain personal alarm. It features a bright strobe LED light and a 130db alarm.
Not your style? We have a whole list of the top keychain self-defense products if Birdie doesn't work for you. Check out these other self-defense tools for when you're on campus too:
Folks, stuff gets stolen out of dorm rooms. Whether it's someone you think is a new friend filching some cash or just your roommate snagging drinks from your mini-fridge, stuff gets snatched. Get a tiny security camera like Blink Indoor Camera to track your stuff.
This camera is tiny, so it won't take up valuable space. It's also battery-powered, so it won't waste a highly contested outlet.
Here are some more security cameras to consider.
Before you hit the "add to cart" button, make sure your dorm doesn't have rules against cameras.
If there's no room for a microwave and hotplates are banned, this bowl/cooking appliance is the answer. Bonbowl heats food using induction heating via electromagnetic waves. Once your food is warm, you can detach the bowl and settle in for a meal.
If there's limited room, but a heating bowl just won't do it, then the Panasonic HomeCHEF 7-in-1 is a good alternative to a microwave at just 15.9 x 15.9 x 14.8 inches.
It's a little pricey, but it has seven settings to get you on your way to dorm life excellence:
Okay, how smart is this bedside caddy? It has a flap to attach under your mattress so everything you need while laying in your bed is within arm's reach and neatly bundled. This can keep even the messiest student organized with all of its different-sized pockets. It even has a spot for a power strip.
I'm not going to lie, I want one of these for my bed too.
This one is for the student that takes way too many clothes to college. Will they need that ball gown or old football jersey? Who knows?
Either way, these HEYHOUSE Closet Organizers add more room to their limited closet storage. Just put the hangers in the slots to save hanging rod room.
Hey, messes happen. The BLACK+DECKER Handheld Vacuum can suck up chip crumbs off the blankets or dust in the car. Even better, it has a built-in crevice tool, so there aren't any attachments to lose.
This one's for the caffeine addicts. The Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker makes just one cup of coffee at a time, so the Joe's always hot for whenever a late-night studying is the mission.
It also has two brew strength options if you like your coffee a little stronger.
The YETI Rambler is my daughter's favorite college companion. It keeps your coffee hot for quite a long time. She put it to the test, and her drink was still piping hot around six hours later.
Plus, it comes in 33 colors. You're bound to find your college team's color.
Amazon.com price as of post date.
Read full disclaimer.
Got a tiny dorm room? Or do you need more space to spread out your books, laptop and notes? No matter the size of desk you need, you can probably order it from FLEXISPOT. But that isn't the best part. These desks can be raised and lowered with the push of a button. Feel like standing? No problem. Want to sit on the floor? Hey, this desk can meet you there.
The accessories are pretty cool, too. There's a hook for your headphones, charging ports and a place to hide your cords. I have this desk myself and love it.
This kit lets you add a sturdy strap to any phone so it can stay lassoed around you, no matter if you're running through the quad or juggling books in the stacks. The Smartish Phone Lanyard comes in nine styles and colors, from simple to glitzy.
My favorite part is there's no sticky glue or magnets required. The strap holder just slips through your case's charging port. You'd think this wouldn't be very sturdy, but I've been using mine for about a month and no problems yet.
*Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
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